Over 200 K-Electric feeders are affected; CM Murad Ali Shah orders emergency rain alert over Sindh
The first monsoon of the season drenched Karachi on Friday, bringing light, moderate and heavy rains to various parts of the city, after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next two days.
The rain began in the city’s outskirts, including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir, in the evening before gradually spreading to other areas.
Light to heavy rainfall was recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road, DHA, Mahmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, Jehangir Park, Mobile Market and surrounding localities, bringing significant relief from the heat and humidity.
Also, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said emergency drainage operations were underway across the city following the rainfall.
He said all relevant departments had been put on high alert and directed officers and field staff to remain on alert until the rainwater was completely drained.
Special teams and dewatering pumps had been deployed in low-lying areas, he said.
The mayor urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and to observe safety measures.
“The protection of citizens’ lives and property is our top priority and all available resources are being used,” Wahab said.
He added that affected areas were continuously monitored, all institutions remained fully mobilized and no negligence in drainage operations would be tolerated.
The PMD predicts further rainfall during the next two days. The PMD said strong monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea continued to enter Sindh due to a low pressure system over southwest Rajasthan.
It further added that under the influence of the weather system, Karachi was expected to receive more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on July 25 and 26.
The Met Office said rains accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thundershowers are expected from Friday to Monday in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad, with heavy rainfall likely at isolated places.
Light to moderate rain was also predicted for upper Sindh districts of Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze.
Over 200 K-Electric feeders are affected
Meanwhile, the first monsoon rains disrupted K-Electric’s power distribution system, with more than 200 feeders affected across the city.
Power cuts were reported in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Naval Colony, Moach Goth, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, FB Area, Gulistan-e-Johar, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Shadman, Manghopir, Banaras, Nazimabad, Paposh and several other localities Nazimabad, Paposh.
Electricity supply was also suspended in some areas due to damaged feeders, burst power lines and faulty pole mounted transformers (PMTs).
In a statement, a K-Electric spokesperson said the utility’s crews had been put on alert in view of the weather conditions.
“We appeal to citizens to observe safety measures during rainfall,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman advised residents to keep a safe distance from electrical infrastructure, including poles, meters, internet and TV cables and other wires.
The utility also urged the public to exercise caution while using electrical appliances, including water pumps, during and after the rain, avoid touching electrical contacts with wet hands, and keep children away from electric motors and other electrical equipment.
CM declares high alert over heavy rain
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared a high alert across the province in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall.
He directed local government institutions, the water board and district administrations to remain operational round the clock.
The chief minister ordered immediate cleaning of storm water drains and clearing of choke points in Karachi and other major cities, while also directed the authorities to install dewatering pumps in low-lying areas to ensure quick drainage of rain water.
The chief minister directed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners across the province to personally monitor operations in the field and directed the police to ensure smooth flow of traffic on major roads and junctions.
He also ordered activation of provincial and district level rain preparedness control rooms to address public grievances.
“Strict action will be taken against any officer found negligent or guilty of dereliction of duty,” the Chief Minister said.
